Page 28 of Mate
“In the meantime, I’ll have Saul bring you food. Since you look so gaunt.”
“I donot.”
“Right. Picture of health.”
I grin. “No need to mince your words. Just say that I’m fugly, call it a day, and— ”
“Serena,” he growls. His stare, the dull black of his eyes, is abrasive. Sands me down to the skeleton. “Sleep. When you wake up, I’m taking you back to the Southwest.”
“What?” No.No.That’s where Ana is. “Please, don’t. Just think about it— ”
“If you keep lying to me, I can’t properly protect you. And if I can’t protect you, I won’t keep you around.”
“I’m not— Which lie?”
He snorts softly. “You tellthatmany?”
“I . . .” I fidget with the sleeve of my hoodie. “I lie a lot.”
“You shouldn’t. Telling the truth can be therapeutic.”
I narrow my eyes. “You know what else can be therapeutic?”
“Punching me in the nuts?”
That’sexactlywhat I was going to say. “How did you know I— ”
“You’re pretty fucking predictable.” He’s leaving again, and I hate him.Somuch. Especially when I have no choice but to yell after him, “Fine.”
He doesn’t stop.
“I’ll tell the truth.”
Keeps walking.
I squeeze my eyes shut and force myself to admit it.
“I haven’t been able to shift in months.”
CHAPTER 7
It’s not the only secret she’s been keeping. It’s not even the worst one. For now, though, he’ll play. The alternative is unacceptable.
KOEN TAKES HIS SWEET, SWEET TIME TO TURN TO ME. HIS SURPRISEat my confession couldn’t fill a puddle. “Was that so hard?”
I clench my fist. “Since you obviously already knew, why did you make me say it?”
“Hearing you verbally acknowledge your limitations brings flavor and spice to my life. Why were you keeping it a secret?”
“I don’t know. I . . . Maybe I just didn’t want you looking down on me.”
“I will nevernotlook down on you, chiefly because of our height difference. When did it start?”
“A while ago.”
“Was it before or after I allowed you to be alone at the cabin— ”
“Youallowed me?”
